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Kim Parker
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wake Radiology Expands Breast Imaging Services in Cary
Raleigh (February 12, 2007) – Wake Radiology announces a new program for the diagnosis of benign and malignant breast disease. Located at 300 Ashville Avenue in Cary, the service represents a new approach to the management of breast health problems in the Raleigh area. The state-of-the-art facility is staffed with specially trained technologists and radiologists who have a particular interest and expertise in breast imaging procedures, and is certified by the American College of Radiology.
Examinations performed at the site include diagnostic and screening digital mammography with computer-aided detection, high-resolution breast ultrasound, Breast Specific Gamma Imaging, galactography, fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsies. Following all diagnostic procedures, women talk with the radiologist to review their exam results.
“Our goal is to provide the community with cost-effective excellence in breast diagnosis and provide the referring physician with prompt, reliable results,” explained Kerry E. Chandler, MD, director of Breast Imaging Services, Wake Radiology Diagnostic Imaging. “Our facility features the latest in imaging equipment and is designed with patient comfort and convenience in mind.”
Mammography is the primary imaging modality used for screening and diagnostic evaluation. According to Dr. Chandler, digital mammography equipment was installed because of its proven excellence in women with dense breasts.
Breast ultrasound is used for further evaluation of palpable or mammographically detected lesions. Ultrasound is not used for screening.
The location offers the Triangle’s first Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) program. This recently introduced nuclear medicine study is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an effective means of demonstrating breast cancer. It is especially useful in women who are at high risk because of a personal or family history of breast cancer and those who have mammograms that are particularly difficult to interpret. The procedure involves an injection of a small amount of radioisotope, which is preferentially taken up by abnormal cells in the breast, allowing them to be visualized using a small gamma camera that is designed specifically for the breast.
Galactography provides an effective means of evaluating abnormal nipple discharge by the injection of a small amount of contrast agent into the offending duct, followed by special mammographic views.
Core biopsies involve the removal of a small portion of suspicious tissue from the breast for diagnostic purposes. It is done by the radiologist using ultrasound or mammographic guidance, local anesthesia and a small biopsy needle.
“It is anticipated that the program will operate in a multidisciplinary (team) fashion with close cooperation of radiologists with pathologists, referring physicians, surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists,” noted Richard E. Bird, MD, FACR, breast imaging specialist, Wake Radiology Diagnostic Imaging. “This has been shown to provide optimal patient care.”
The facility is open Monday through Friday. Patients for diagnostic studies are seen by physician referral only. Women may have screening mammograms without physician referral.
About Wake Radiology
Established in 1953, Wake Radiology is the largest multi-site radiology group in central North Carolina. The practice performs more than 650,000 procedures each year and practices a comprehensive approach to care for each procedure, combining its knowledge of state-of-the-art imaging with patient care. For more information, visit the website at wakerad.ionainteractive.com.